Sociodemographic Profile, Physical Activity, Dietary Patterns, and Nutritional Status of Vegetarians

Abstract

Vegetarianism is one of the most popular dietary patterns in the world, and Indonesians are as well. This study was conducted to determine the profile of vegetarians in Palembang based on socio-demographic characteristics, physical activity level, dietary type, total energy intake, total macronutrient intake, and nutritional status. This study is a descriptive observational study with a cross-sectional design. Maha Vihara Maitreya Duta (MVMD) was the vegetarian population in this survey. Participants who agreed to take part in the survey were at least 18 years old, have been vegetarian for at least three years, were not pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and did not have any chronic ailments. A total of 148 samples were acquired using a consecutive sampling technique. To establish nutritional status, Primary data were collected by completing food recall interviews during the last 24 hours on two non-consecutive days. and measuring height and weight to determine nutritional status. The highest age range of participants was 30–49 years (54,1%). The majority of the population was female (61,5%) and had a college degree (56,1%). Most participants work (85,8%), engage in light-to-moderate physical activity, and have a normal body mass index range (68,2%). Most ate lacto-ovo-vegetarian (59,5%). Most participants were vegetarian for 6-10 years (31,1%). Most motivations for becoming a vegetarian are health-related (45,3%). Vegans consumed more calories, carbs, and protein than non-vegans, but less fat. Most vegan and non-vegan respondents had good nutritional status and were in the sufficient category for achieving calorie and macronutrient requirements.

Consumer Intention of Purchasing Plant-Based Milk in Indonesia

“…As global demand and awareness for plant-based food continue to increase (Suhartanto et al, 2022), the plant-based milk market is predicted to proliferate, fueled by the rise of the vegan lifestyle. Indonesia has become the third-highest country in terms of vegetarianism growth, according to a Euromonitor International survey in 2018 (Dewi, Kurniati, & Dalilah, 2022). Furthermore, data from the European Union Indonesia Business Network (EIBN) in 2019 projected a rise in milk alternative sales from US$ 39.6 million to US$ 53.8 million in Indonesia by 2022, indicating a growing market interest in more sustainable, ethical, and healthier product alternatives (Dewi et al, 2022).…”

“…Indonesia has become the third-highest country in terms of vegetarianism growth, according to a Euromonitor International survey in 2018 (Dewi, Kurniati, & Dalilah, 2022). Furthermore, data from the European Union Indonesia Business Network (EIBN) in 2019 projected a rise in milk alternative sales from US$ 39.6 million to US$ 53.8 million in Indonesia by 2022, indicating a growing market interest in more sustainable, ethical, and healthier product alternatives (Dewi et al, 2022). Many factors influence the consumer choice of plant-based milk analogs.…”